Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2016 "Kazariyama / Kakiyama" Photo Report（1/21）

"Hakata Gion Yamakasa" is a traditional festival that has almost come to represent Fukuoka as a whole. And when you talk about the must-see attractions that Yamakasa has to offer, you have to mention "Oiyama," the impressive, eye-catching climax to the festival. But Yamakasa is more than just the final day, it lasts from the 1st-15th July and during this period you can also find the remarkable "Kazariyama" (decorative floats) on display throughout Fukuoka. Seeing these in person is another real highlight of the Yamakasa festival.

As the "99th Lions Clubs International Annual Convention" was held in Fukuoka from the 24th June, the "Kazariyama" were on display a week earlier than usual. In our photo-report, along with the "Kazariyama," we will also be introducing you to the "Kakiyama" (racing floats that participants carry on their shoulders), which are actually carried around the streets of Hakata, at the "Oiyama!"